CUSTOMERS at a pub fought to save the life of a former Southport College student who was repeatedly stabbed in the street.

Thomas Dowell, 23, was attacked by seven youths on Saturday night but managed to reach the Edinburgh pub on College Road, Crosby.

A trail of blood marks his desperate struggle to get away from the mob.

Speaking from his hospital bed, he said: “I cannot thank the people in the pub enough. Without their help, I probably wouldn’t be alive now.

“To help a stranger, when they were as desperate as I was, proves that there is still a community spirit among people.”

Thomas, a Royal Navy mechanic, had returned home for a week’s shore leave.

He was attacked as he walked down College Road at around 10pm, minutes after leaving his home for a night out at a friend’s party.

The former Sacred Heart pupil said: “I was walking past the bus shelter near the corner of Brooke Road East when I saw the gang. They said something to me, but I just glanced at them and walked on.

“About 50 yards up the road was a girl crying.

“I asked her if she was OK and she told me one of the gang had punched her.

“All of a sudden, the gang charged down the road and surrounded us. I told them to leave the girl alone.

“They were squaring up to me and swearing, and I knew I was in trouble.

“They all started hitting and kicking me, but I managed get free and ran towards the petrol station.

“One of the gang started attacking me again. I managed to get away and some kind people helped me into the pub.

“It was only then I realised I had been stabbed.”

Mike Smith, landlord, said: “The lad was in a really bad way and, if I am honest, I wasn’t sure whether he would make it.

“A lot of customers deserve credit for keeping him alive. A couple of women tried to stem the flow of blood with their hands. They kept talking to him so that he didn’t pass out and held his hand to try and make him feel more safe.

“Outside, the gang were kicking the front door.

“But some customers ran out and warded them off. They showed true courage.”

Thomas needed emergency surgery to heal a wound, just an inch from his heart. Doctors told him other wounds narrowly missed his stomach and bladder.

He added: “The gang were like animals.

“I used to feel safe on the streets, especially in Crosby, but now it has all changed.”

A police spokesman said two 15-year-old youths from Crosby and Vauxhall were arrested and released on bail, pending further investigations.